Louis van Gaal asked for an apology from the media prior to the game for predicting his exit, but those questions will continue to come now after a fourth straight defeat at Stoke City. The Potters got the job done in the first half through Bojan and Marko Arnautovic and after that they were comfortable, with Jack Butland coming to their rescue on three occasions to prevent a comeback. Well that is all we have time for on this live blog, but go here for all the build-up and coverage of the 3pm kick-offs.

Pereira's first involvement is to receive a booking for fouling Arnautovic as Stoke looked to break. A case of if the hosts will add to their lead, rather than if United will get a foothold as things stand.

David de Gea tips away Bojan's cross from the edge of the six yard area. United's threat has certainly relented in the last 10 minutes and in truth bar Fellaini's effort from Rooney's cross, it is hard to think of a moment when Jack Butland has been forced into a desperation save. Hardly a response in the second half.

Into the last 20 minutes and United continue to press, with little success. Fellaini tees up Herrera on the edge of the box but as has been the way Stoke players throw themselves in the way of the effort. At the other end, Ashley Young denies Arnautovic the chance to make it three, cutting out a cross which had United in all sorts of bother.

An example of how threatening Stoke could be in this last quarter of the game as United continue to throw players forward in search of a way back into the game. Afellay draws defenders and surges to the edge of the box, feeds Arnautovic but cuts inside two players but can't get his shot away.

The visitors are having a lot of the ball but are becoming increasingly frustrated by a determined Stoke side and their goalkeeper Jack Butland. Mark Hughes will not be impressed with how the game has swung the way of United, though his side's two-goal lead does mean they can play on the counter.

Bojan goes down in the United box as he appears to take a glancing blow from a United defender. Referee Neil Swarbrick, who overlooked a Anthony Martial dive in the first half, signals simulation and books the Spaniard. A tad harsh as it looked as though the Stoke man lost his feet as much as anything, and because of the inconsistency. United however need all the positives that can get.

Stoke add to the pressure on Louis van Gaal with two first half goals to lead at the Britannia Stadium. Bojan and Marko Arnautovic with the goals against the lacklustre visitors, who are without their captain Wayne Rooney - who will surely be introduced after the break. Mark Hughes' men have been impressive without being at their very best and they will feel good about keeping and adding to this lead after the break.

Stoke causing a lot of their own problems as quick United corners has them at sixes and sevens. First Depay and Martial combine and with Jack Butland looking set to claim the cross, Shawcross heads it from his own goalkeeper's grasp and behind. The subsequent set-piece is again headed behind by Shawcross into his own side-netting but the referee has seen an infringement so Stoke can breathe again.

United having a bit of a spell since the second goal, with Marouane Fellaini very much the focal point. Anthony Martial has pulled out into a wide right position with the hope of causing some problems for Erik Pieters. They do win a flurry of corners but they come to nothing.

Stoke fans are going though their full repertoire since going two up with "You're getting sacked in the morning" chants being directed towards Louis van Gaal. If this gets any worse for Manchester United that could become an increasing possibility for the Dutch coach.

Jack Butland keeps United from halving the lead almost immediately. Memphis Depay hits a free-kick from fully 30 yards which bounce in-front of the Stoke 'keeper, who keeps the ball out well before the ball falls the way of Marouane Fellaini who is in an offside position.